Md. needs tougher penalties for gun crimes, not gun control

House Bill 424 would prohibit early release or plea bargains for those convicted of violent gun crime. It is time to hold those that commit violent gun crimes responsible, instead of punishing the law-abiding citizens of Maryland.

In 2012, 70 percent of Baltimore City gun murders were committed by convicted felons; 40 percent were felons convicted of previous gun crimes. Maryland has the second highest gun robbery rate in the nation; 97 percent by previously convicted criminals.

Gun bans, restrictions, and other attempts to infringe upon our Second Amendment rights to self defense punish law-abiding citizens, rather than hold those that commit violent gun crimes responsible.